BROWNSTOWN
Some changes have been implemented to keep Brownstown’s town employees safe during the coronavirus and COVID-19 pandemic.
For one, Brownstown Wastewater Utility Superintendent Scott Hunsucker and his only co-worker, Jeff Lubker, are working split shifts so they aren’t at the facility at the same time.
“If he or Jeff were to get sick both at the same time, both have to be quarantined and would not be able to test our sanitary sewer,” Brownstown Town Council President Gregg Goshorn said during a council meeting Monday night that was conducted via Zoom.
As a backup plan, Hunsucker had contacted three other laboratories to see if he could send information to them to ensure Brownstown stays in compliant with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, but they are all full and couldn’t serve the town, Goshorn said.
Since Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s recent executive order, Hunsucker and Lubker have been working at separate times just to do necessary tasks. Goshorn said some paperwork and tasks can be done outside the facility.
“They have begun that to make sure they’re safe,” Goshorn said. “They have scaled back their work at the facility to make sure everything is up and running. Anything else right now is considered nonessential, so they are just focusing on what they can do there at the department.”
The three street department employees also are changing their procedures to stay safe. That includes having only one person in a vehicle, practicing social distancing and wearing personal protective equipment when working on sewer laterals and other duties.
The police department has implemented some split shifts and is trying not to incur overtime, but Goshorn said some officers could be working overtime if one of them who is active National Guard is called to serve.
Goshorn also said the two trucks the police department ordered to lease are on hold because the company producing them is shut down.
Anyone needing to speak to a police officer may call 812-358-2141.
Finally, the town hall has been closed to the public since late March. Any residents who need to conduct business should call 812-358-5500 during normal office hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.
If making a sewer payment, utilize the drop box located inside the vestibule at the town hall, 200 W. Walnut St., Brownstown, or pay online at explorebrownstown.com.
“It sounds like we’ve got every aspect covered for our employees,” Goshorn said. “I want to thank everybody for that.”